Western Phoenix Polo Crosse Club

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What is Polocrosse?

Who can play?

As the name implies, it is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played outside, on a field, on horseback. Each rider uses a stick to which is attached a racquet head with a loose, thread net, in which the ball is carried. The ball is made of sponge rubber and is approximately 4" across. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between your opponent's goal posts.

The basic requisite for the successful Polocrosse player is a love of horses and the ability to ride easily and comfortably. Ball and riding skills are improved by regular practice and a competitive edge becomes important in tournament play.

Polocrosse is appealing as a sport for all the family and attracts a wide range of ability levels. In England the Pony Club has seen the tremendous potential of the game and there are now a large number of teams across the country. Club level Polocrosse is generally very sociable - for riders and non-riders too!

If you already have a horse you are halfway there. All you need in addition are a few safety items such as bandages and bell boots, and a polocrosse stick and ball for yourself - you're ready to play! *

Players can pick up the ball from the ground, catch it in their racquet, and ride with it. They will throw it to other players until the No.1 has possession in the goal scoring area. A player cannot carry the ball over the penalty line, but must bounce it so that they do not have possession of it while actually crossing the line. However, it can be thrown to a player over the line. When carrying the ball, a player must carry it on the stick side, i.e. right-handed players must carry it on the offside of the horse. They can, however, pick-up or catch the ball on the non-stick side provided they immediately bring it back to their stick side. How does the game start?

It commences in centre field with the players lining up, one section beside the other, with the No. 1's in front. This is called a line out. The umpire then throws the ball, over the player's heads. The game recommences similarly after a goal has been scored. Whenever an attempt at goal fails, the No. 3 throws the ball back into play from behind the penalty line, as directed by the umpire.

Hitting at an opponent's stick, either to dislodge the ball or to prevent them from gaining possession of it, is allowed in an upward direction only. Riding off is allowed, but crossing, stopping over the ball, or elbowing constitutes a foul. Sandwiching of one player between two others also constitutes a foul. Fouls result in a free throw to the offended side. What equipment will I need?

Requirements for the rider are a recognised safety helmet and a racquet. For the horse you will need bandages and bell boots. To get started you will need little more extra equipment than this. Where can I play?

In the UK there are clubs situated all around the country. If you want to get more exotic, you could play in the United States, Australia, South Africa and there are many other countries where polocrosse is played.

Clubs get together on a regular basis for practice. The season starts in May and finishes in September. During that time there is often a tournament-taking place every weekend somewhere in the UK. The major event of the year is the Club National Championships. Is it expensive to play?

Polocrosse is relative to many other horse sports and horses themselves are not often cheap to keep! Membership of the UKPA is not too expensive the maximum fee is £80 for a family membership, however there are other rates and discounts. A new racquet and ball will cost around £60, however most clubs will let you use theirs until you are ready to make an investment. Most people already have appropriate headgear, bandages, etc.

Horse Sports Resources:

With all contact sports there are risks involved and Polo is included in this risk category due to the amount of stress put in the body whilst riding and playing the sport. Quality supports and knee braces can help to limit the short and long term injuries of competing in Polo games. By supporting the knees with a brace or support designed for this problem you can greatly reduce Polo injuries.

We're often asked for some memento of the tournament by visitors during the Crosse Club's annual exhibitionary matches. While we do not offer these on site, you can find various sports ornaments including polo ornament and lacrosse ornament gifts. We are working on the polocrosse ornament for next year that will show a rider with the lacrosse pole and other gear.

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